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(DAYTON, OHIO)…Experience all the RTA has to offer, from less headaches and hassle with your commute, to fuel cost savings and technology upgrades that make using transit easier through “The RTA Experience” on Wednesday, June 22 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Dayton’s Courthouse Square.

Get a sneak peek of the new “RTA Ride Time,” a new real-time system that will allow customers to log onto the RTA Ride Time app and see what time the next three buses will be arriving at their stop via GPS locating services. All 3,300 bus stops are being numbered throughout the agency’s service area for this feature, which will also include a texting option. For example, by texting RTA, then a space, then the bus stop number to “41411,” the rider will receive information about when the next bus will arrive at that stop. Those at Courthouse Square on Wednesday will be able to test this feature.

The benefit of RTA RideTime to customers is clear, said Deputy Chief Operations Officer Brandon Policicchio. “Both drivers and our customers will see this technology upgrade as an asset. The technology empowers passengers with information.”

Through RTA RideTime, customers will also be able to see where RTA buses are on an interactive map. Similar technology will also allow agency dispatchers and supervisors to see exactly where a bus is located and communicate with the driver important information, such as a sudden detour or necessary re-route.

In addition to RTA RideTime, the agency will show off its new high definition camera system. It will allow dispatch and security a live-look in to any and all vehicles to see exactly what is happening on the bus anytime, anywhere. The $3.1 million system upgrade allowed these cameras to be installed on all 181 fixed route and 75 paratransit buses.

Attendees of the event will also get a look at the RTA Security Department’s “See Something – Say Something – DO Something” initiative which shows how safety is the responsibility of everyone. The RTA has its own anonymous tip line and offers a monetary award for information leading to the successful prosecution of those who commit crimes on RTA property.

RTA will be offering an incentive to encourage new riders to integrate public transportation into everyday travel through the Try Transit Pledge. Visitors to “The RTA Experience” who pledge to try transit for a week and then take a simple survey about their experience will receive a free one-week pass. Passes are limited.

“The RTA Experience” is one of several events organized by the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) as part of the summer-long “Drive Less Live More” programming. The focus is to encourage residents to use transportation alternatives such as biking, walking, public transportation and carpooling. Special guests day of the RTA Experience include Five Rivers MetroParks, Bike Miami Valley, the City of Dayton, Public Health of Montgomery County, and Bike Miami Valley.

RTA is Ohio’s greenest fleet, and serves 3,300 stops on 31 routes throughout Montgomery and parts of Greene County. The agency operates diesel, hybrid diesel, and electric trolley buses that take people to work, school and shopping. Customers ride RTA on more than 9 million passenger trips each year. RTA is committed to providing the highest levels of customer service as the region’s first choice for alternative transportation.